Extraordinary Jane by Hannah E. Harrison (review)

Little white pup Jane is hopelessly ordinary in her family of circus stars: her mother rides horses, her dad’s a strongman, and her siblings have their own daring acts. Poor Jane tries to find a talent of her own, but she’s neither brave nor musical nor artistic nor graceful nor funny; her attempt at an act on a large balancing ball is a disaster that sends everyone seeking first aid. It turns out that “Jane . . . was just . . . Jane” but that’s perfectly okay. The ending admittedly lacks some punch, but the Bichon Frisé-esque Jane, with her slightly pink tummy pooching out, is an adorable heroine. Harrison’s vibrant acrylic illustrations are dimensional and detailed, offering a a slightly less stylized version of Adam Rex’s circus animals in Gaiman’s Chu’s Day (BCCB 1/13). Thoughtful compositions and unusual perspectives emphasize the action and derring-do of circus performance, contrasting the action humorously with little Jane undertaking more cautious canine activities: while her tutu-clad sisters perch precariously on a tightrope in a close-up from above, a tiny Jane watches quietly from the opposite page’s corner, for example. This could make a fetching addition to circus- or dog-themed storytimes, and while the message is well-worn, it’s also reassuring to those kids who worry about whether or not they measure up to their peers.